Chapter IV

SCHEDULED CASTES IN ANDHRA

PRADESH

4.0 Introduction
The present Chapter analyzes the profile of Scheduled Castes in Andhra Pradesh. In
Andhra Pradesh, the Scheduled Castes (SCs) form a sizeable part of the States population.
Andhra Pradesh occupies fourth position in India in terms of Scheduled Caste population
among 32 States/UTs having Scheduled Castes population. The SC population of the State
constitutes 7.4 per cent of the countrys SC population. The Scheduled Caste constitutes 16.19
per cent of the total population of Andhra Pradesh in 2001 with more than 82.82 per cent of
the Scheduled Castes living in rural areas.
4.1 Caste in Andhra Pradesh
The castes in Andhra Pradesh can be divided into two distinct categories. Brahmin,
Komati, Raju, Reddy, Kamma, Velama, Kapu, Nayudu, Relli, Mala, Madiga, Yeraka, Yanadi
etc., castes are based on their tribal, cultural and religious differences, while the castes like
Chakali (washerman), Kummari (potter), Kammari (smith), Kamsali (goldsmith), Mangali
(barber) etc. are based on their duties. After British rule, the Indian Constitution defined the
tribes/castes. At present, all the castes in Andhra Pradesh are categorized into four groups,
viz., Other Communities (OC), Backward Communities (BC), Scheduled Castes (SC), and
Scheduled Tribes (ST).
The Brahmans, who are forward communities, constitute about 23 per cent of the
States population. The Komatis, who are also forward communities, and claim Vysya status,
and engaged in trade, constitute 23 per cent of the population. Rajus, who are also forward
communities and who claim Kshatriya status, constitute less than 1 per cent of the States
population. The non-Brahman caste groups, such as the Reddis, Kammas, Kapus and
Velamas, whose main occupation has been cultivation, are the most important social groups
in the State in terms of numerical strength, land control and access to political power.
Kammas, Reddis and Velamas belong to indigenous and immigrant agricultural communities

125

and ruling class who are now classified as forward classes (FC). The Reddis represent about
810 per cent of the States population, followed by Kammas, about 45 per cent, Velamas,
12 per cent and Kapu, 1012 per cent.
There are various caste groups by the names of traditional hereditary occupations,
who constitute a large proportion of the population in Andhra Pradesh and are known as
backward castes (BCs) and represent about 44 per cent of the State population.

Andhra

Pradesh incorporates about 33 scheduled tribes, which form about 7 per cent of the States
population. Koya, Banjara/Lambada, Konda reddi, Gond, Chenchu, Yerukala, Yanadi,
Savara, and Jatavu are the major ones.
4.2 Scheduled Castes
Scheduled Castes are known by different names in different parts of the State and
comprise many sub-castes and communities. At present, there are 59 Scheduled Castes in
Andhra Pradesh. List of Scheduled Castes in Andhra Pradesh is given in Table 4.1. Out of
59 sub-castes, Madigas and Malas are the two prominent ones. Mala, Madiga, Adi Dravida
and Adi Andhra together constitute 93.6 per cent of the SC population of the State. Madiga
are numerically the largest SCs with a population of 60,74,250, constituting 49.2 per cent of
the State SC population. They are followed by Mala having a population of 51,39,305 (41.6
per cent), Adi Dravida with a population of 1,94,806 (1.6 per cent) and Adi Andhra (1.2 per
cent). Nineteen SCs have returned a population below one thousand each in 2001 census.
Among the numerically major SCs, Adi Dravida has the highest (88.7 per cent) rural
population, followed by Madiga (85.1 per cent), Mala (81.9 per cent) and Adi Andhra (76.8
per cent). During 1991-2001, Mala have recorded the highest growth rate of 29.7 per cent
followed by Madiga (25.5 per cent). On the other hand, Adi Andhra caste, the fourth largest
in the State has recorded a negative growth (-80.5 per cent). Adi Dravida has also recorded a
low growth rate of 4 per cent.

126

Scheduled Castes and their areas of enumeration in Andhra Pradesh are presented in
Table 4.2. It is observed from the table that 4 Scheduled Castes out of 59 Scheduled
Castes, namely, (1). Chalavadi, (2). Chamar, Mochi or Muchi, (3). Madiga and (4). Mala
were enumerated throughout the State, while 27 Scheduled Castes, namely, Adi Andhra, Adi
Dravida, Arundhatiya, Bariki, Bavuri, Byagara, Chandala, Dandasi, Ghasi, Haddi or Relli
Chachandi, Godagali, Godari, Gosangi, Jaggali, Jambuvulu, Madasi Kuruva or Madari
Karuva, Madiga Dasu and Mashteen, Mala Dasu, Matangi, Mundala, Paky or Moti, Thoti,
Pambada or Pambanda, Pamidi, Panchama or Pariah, Relli, Samban, Sapru and Dom,
Dombara, Paidi or Pano

were enumerated throughout the State except Hyderabad,

Mahbubnagar, Adilabad, Nizamabad, Medak, Karimnagar, Warangal, Khammam and

Nalgonda districts. It is also noticed from the table that of the 59 SCs, 28 SCs, namely,
Ellamalwar (Yellammalawandlu), Anamuk, Aray (Mala), Arwa Mala, Beda (Budga) Jangam,
and Sindhollu (Chindoilu) were enumerated in the districts of Hyderabad, Mahbubnagar
Bindla, Byagara, Chambhar, Dakkal (Dokkalwar), Dhor, Holeya, Holeya Dasari,
Kolupulvandlu, Mahar, Mala Dasari, Mala Hannai , Malajangam, Mala Masti, Mala Sale
(Netkani), Mala Sanyasi, Mang, Mang Garodi, Manne, Mashti, Mehtar, Mitha Ayyalvar,
Samagara, Adilabad, Nizamabad, Medak, Karimnagar, Warangal, Khammam and Nalgonda
only.

127

Table 4.1
LIST OF SCHEDULED CASTES IN ANDHRA PRADESH
Name of the Scheduled Caste

Name of the Scheduled Caste

1. Adi Andhra

31. Madasi Kuruva, Madari Kuruva

2. Adi Dravida

32. Madiga

3. Anamuk

33. Madiga Dasu, Mashteen

4. Aray Mala

34. Mahar

5. Arundhatiya

35. Mala

6. Arwa Mala

36. Mala Dasari

7. Bariki

37. Mala Dasu

8. Bavuri

38. Mala Hannai

9. Beda Jangam, Budga jangam

39. Malajangam

10. Bindla

40. Mala Masti

11. Byagara

41. Mala Sale, Nethani

12. Chachati

42. Mala Sanyasi

13. Chalavadi

43. Mang

14. Chamar, Mochi, Muchi

44. Mang Garodi

15. Chambhar

45. Manne

16. Chandala

46. Mashti

17. Dakkal, Dokkalwar

47. Matangi

18. Dandasi

48. Mehtar

19. Dhor

49. Mitha Ayyalvar

20. Dom, Dombara, Paidi, Pano

50. Mundala

21. Ellamalawar, Yellammalawandlu

51. Paky, Moti, Thoti

22. Ghasi, Haddi, Relli, Chanchandi

52. Pambada, Pambanda

23. Godagali

53. Pamidi

24. Godari

54. Panchama, Pariah

25. Gosangi

55. Relli

26. Holeya

56. Samagara

27. Holeya Dasari

57. Samban

28. Jaggali

58. Sapru

29. Jambuvulu

59. Sindhollu, Chindollu

30. Kolupulvandlu
Source: (1). Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950 (Part III - Rules
and Orders under the Constitution)
(2). Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Orders (Amendment)
Act, 1956

128

Table 4.2
SCHEDULED CASTES AND THEIR AREAS OF ENUMERATION IN ANDHRA
PRADESH
Sl.
No.

Name of the Scheduled

Castes

Areas of enumeration

1.

Adi Andhra

Throughout the state except Hyderabad, Mahbubnagar,

Adilabad, Nizamabad, Medak, Karimnagar, Warangal,
Khammam and Nalgonda districts

2.

Adi Dravida

"

3.

Anamuk

4.

Aray (Mala)

"

5.

Arundhatiya

Throughout the state except Hyderabad, Mahbubnagar,

Adilabad, Nizamabad, Medak, Karimnagar, Warangal,
Khammam and Nalgonda districts

6.

Arwa Mala

In the districts of Hyderabad, Mahbubnagar, Adilabad,

Nizamabad, Medak, Karimnagar, Warangal, Khammam and
Nalgonda.

7.

Bariki

Throughout the state except Hyderabad, Mahbubnagar,

Adilabad, Nizamabad, Medak, Karimnagar, Warangal,
Khammam and Nalgonda districts

8.

Bavuri

"

9.

Beda (Budga) Jangam

10.
11.

Bindla
Byagara

"
"

12.

Byagara

Throughout the state except Hyderabad, Mahbubnagar,

Adilabad, Nizamabad, Medak, Karimnagar, Warangal,
Khammam and Nalgonda districts

13.

Chalavadi

Throughout the State

14.

Chamar, Mochi or Muchi

Throughout the State

15.

Chambhar

In the districts of Hyderabad, Mahbubnagar, Adilabad,

Nizamabad, Medak, Karimnagar, Warangal, Khammam and
Nalgonda.

16.

Chandala

Throughout the state except Hyderabad, Mahbubnagar,

Adilabad, Nizamabad, Medak, Karimnagar, Warangal,
Khammam and Nalgonda districts

In the districts of Hyderabad, Mahbubnagar, Adilabad,

Nizamabad, Medak, Karimnagar, Warangal, Khammam and
Nalgonda.

In the districts of Hyderabad, Mahbubnagar, Adilabad,

Nizamabad, Medak, Karimnagar, Warangal, Khammam and
Nalgonda.

129

Sl.
No.

Name of the Scheduled

Castes

Areas of enumeration

17.

Dakkal (Dokkalwar)

In the districts of Hyderabad, Mahbubnagar, Adilabad,

Nizamabad, Medak, Karimnagar, Warangal, Khammam and
Nalgonda.

18.

Dandasi

Throughout the state except Hyderabad, Mahbubnagar,

Adilabad, Nizamabad, Medak, Karimnagar, Warangal,
Khammam and Nalgonda districts

19.

Dhor

In the districts of Hyderabad, Mahbubnagar, Adilabad,

Nizamabad, Medak, Karimnagar, Warangal, Khammam and
Nalgonda

20.

Dom, Dombara, Paidi or

Pano

Throughout the State except Hyderabad, Nizamabad,

Medak, Karimnagar, Warangal, Khammam and Nalgonda
districts

21.

Ellamalwar
(Yellammalawandlu)

In the districts of Hyderabad, Mahbubnagar, Adilabad,

Nizamabad, Medak, Karimanagar, Warangal, Khammam
and Nalgonda

22.

Ghasi, Haddi or Relli

Chachandi

Throughout the State except Hyderabad, Mahbubnagar,

Adilabad, Nizamabad, Medak, Karimnagar, Warangal,
Khammam and Nalgonda districts

23.
24.
25.

Godagali
Godari
Gosangi

26.

Holeya

27.

Holeya Dasari

28.

Jaggali

29.

Jambuvulu

30.

Kolupulvandlu

In the districts of Hyderabad, Mahbubnagar, Adilabad,

Nizamabad, Medak, Karimnagar, Warangal, Karimnagar,
Warangal, Khammam and Nalgonda

31.

Madasi Kuruva or Madari

Karuva

Throughout the State except Hyderabad, Mahbubnagar,

Adilabad, Nizamabad, Medak, Karimnagar, Warangal,
Khammam and Nalgonda districts

32.

Madiga

Throughout the State

33.

Madiga Dasu and Mashteen

Throughout the State except Hyderabad, Mahbubnagar,

Adilabad, Nizamabad, Medak, Karimnagar, Warangal,
Khammam and Nalgonda districts

"
"
"
In the districts of Hyderabad, Mahbubnagar, Adilabad,
Nizamabad, Medak, Karimnagar, Warangal, Khammam and
Nalgonda
"
Throughout the State except Hyderabad, Mahbubnagar,
Adilabad, Nizamabad, Medak, Karimnagar, Warangal,
Khammam and Nalgonda districts
"

130

Sl.
No.

Name of the Scheduled

Castes

Areas of enumeration

34.

Mahar

In the districts of Hyderabad, Mahbubnagar, Adilabad,

Nizamabad, Medak, Karimnagar, Warangal, Khammam and
Nalgonda

35.

Mala

Throughout the State

36.

Mala Dasari

In the districts of Hyderabad, Mahbubnagar, Adilabad,

Nizamabad, Medak, Karimnagar, Warangal, Khammam and
Nalgonda

37.

Mala Dasu

Throughout the State except Hyderabad, Mahbubnagar,

Adilabad, Nizamabad, Medak, Karimnagar, Warangal,
Khammam and Nalgonda

38.

Mala Hannai

In the districts of Hyderabad, Mahbubnagar, Adilabad,

Nizamabad, Medak, Karimnagar, Warangal, Khammam and
Nalgonda

39.

Malajangam

"

40.

Mala Masti

"

41.

Mala Sale (Netkani)

"

42.

Mala Sanyasi

"

43.

Mang

"

44.

Mang Garodi

"

45.

Manne

"

46.

Mashti

In the districts of Hyderabad, Mahbubnagar, Adilabad,

Nizamabad, Medak, Karimnagar, Warangal, Khammam and
Nalgonda

47.

Matangi

Throughout the State except Hyderabad, Mahbubnagar,

Adilabad, Nizamabad, Medak, Karimnagar, Warangal,
Khammam and Nalgonda districts

48.

Mehtar

In the districts of Hyderabad, Mahbubnagar, Adilabad,

Nizamabad, Medak, Karimnagar, Warangal, Khammam and
Nalgonda

49.

Mitha Ayyalvar

50.

Mundala

51.

Paky or Moti, Thoti

"

52.

Pambada or Pambanda

"

"
Throughout the State except Hyderabad, Mahbubnagar,
Adilabad, Nizamabad, Medak, Karimnagar, Warangal,
Khammam and Nalgonda districts

131

Sl.
No.

Name of the Scheduled

Castes

Areas of enumeration

53.

Pamidi

"

54.

Panchama or Pariah

"

55.

Relli

"

56.

Samagara

In the districts of Hyderabad, Mahbubnagar, Adilabad,

Nizamabad, Medak, Karimnagar, Warangal, Khammam and
Nalgonda

57.

Samban

Throughout the State except Hyderabad, Mahbubnagar,

Adilabad, Nizamabad, Medak, Karimnagar, Warangal,
Khammam and Nalgonda districts

58.

Sapru

59.

Sindhollu (Chindoilu)

Source:

"
In the districts of Hyderabad, Mahbubnagar, Adilabad,
Nizamabad, Medak, Karimnagar, Warangal, Khammam and
Nalgonda

Kamble, N.D., (1978), Socio-economic and Political Profiles of Scheduled

Castes, Ph.D. Thesis, Karnatak University, Dharwad, Karnataka.

132

4.3 Demographic features

The total population of Andhra Pradesh, as per the 2001 Census is 7,62,10,007. Of
this, 1,23,39,496 (16.2 per cent) are Scheduled Castes (SCs), of which 62,28,011 (50.47 per
cent) are males and the rest 61,11,485 (49.53 per cent) are females. Out of the total SC
population, 82.82 per cent are residing in rural areas and the rest 17.18 per cent are residing
in urban areas. The share of the rural population has been declining from Census to Census,
except during 1991-2001, where a slight increase is recorded.
The data on Scheduled Castes population and general population from 1961 to 2001 is
presented in Table 4.3. The population of Scheduled Castes in Andhra Pradesh has
increased from 49.73 lakhs in 1961 to 123.39 lakhs in 2001, registering an increase of 148.09
per cent as compared to an increase of 158.5 per cent in the SC population at the national
level. The share of the Scheduled Castes population in the total population, which was 13.82
per cent in 1961, declined to 13.27 per cent in 1971, then increased to 14.85 per cent in 1981
and to 15.93 per cent in 1991, and thereafter increased to 16.19 per cent in 2001. The share
of the Scheduled caste population to the total population of India in 2001 is 16.23, which is
almost nearest to that of Andhra Pradesh (16.19 per cent).
In terms of decadal growth, there was a growth of 16.10 per cent in the SC population
during 1961-1971, followed by 37.88 per cent increase in the next decade (1971-1981). It
fell to 33.04 per cent in the following decade, 1981-1991. It further fell to 16.50 per cent
during 1991-2001. The highest growth rate was recorded during 1971-1981.

133

Table 4.3
SCHEDULED CASTES AND GENERAL POPULATION IN ANDHRA PRADESH
FROM 1961 TO 2001 CENSUS

Census
Year

1961

Male
Population

%
Growth
rate

2512325

Scheduled Castes
Female
%
PopuGrowth
lation
rate
2461291

(13.83)

1971

1981

1991

(15.95)

2001

(16.17)

17821776

35983447

16.10

22008663

21.18

21494045

20.61

43502708

20.90

37.88

27108922

23.17

26440751

23.01

53549673

23.10

33.04

33724581

24.40

32783427

23.99

66508008

24.20

16.50

38527413

14.24

37682594

14.94

76210007

14.59

12339496
17.25

(16.22)

18161671

(15.93)

6111485
15.77

%
Growth
rate

10592066
32.89

(15.90)

6228011

Population

(14.87)

5212412
33.18

Total

7961730
37.77

(14.84)

5379654

Population

%
Growth
rate

(13.27)

3922488

(14.90)

%
Growth
rate

5774548
15.68

37.98

Total population
Female
%
PopuGrowth
lation
rate

(13.82)

(13.25)

4039242

Male

4973616

2847132
16.52

(13.30)

Population

(13.81)

2927416

Total

(16.19)

Note: Figures in the parenthesis represent percentage to the total population.

Source: Directorate of Census Operations, Government of India.

134

Table 4.4
COMPOSITION OF SCHEDULED CASTES IN ANDHRA PRADESH BY
RESIDENCE FROM 1961 TO 2001
RURAL

URBAN

Total

Percentage
of
Urban
Population
To
Total
Population

Decadal
Growth
Rate

Male

Female

Total

Percentage of
Rural
Population
to Total
population

1961

2233224

2188304

4421528

88.9

279101

272987

552088

11.1

1971

2580275

2511855

5092130

88.18

15.17

347141

335277

682418

11.8

23.61

1981

3419221

3333147

6752368

84.81

32.6

620021

589341

1209362

15.2

77.22

1991

4451782

4306859

8758641

82.69

29.71

927872

905553

1833425

17.3

51.6

2001

5164491

5054918

10219409

82.82

16.68

1063520

1056567

2120087

17.2

15.64

Census
Year

Decadal
Growth
Rate

Male

Female

Source: Directorate of Census Operations, Government of India.

135

Table 4.4 presents the population of the Scheduled Castes in Andhra Pradesh as per
2001 Census. As per 2001 Census, among the numerically major SCs, Adi Dravida has the
highest (88.7 per cent) rural population, followed by Madiga (85.1 per cent), Mala (81.9 per
cent) and Adi Andhra (76.8 per cent). Among the districts, East Godavari district has the
highest Scheduled Caste population in the State (8,81,650) followed by Guntur district
(8,18,005) and Krishna district (7,46,832). Districts with the lowest SC population are
Srikakulam (2,29,609), Vizianagaram (2,38,023) and Visakhapatnam (2,91,219).
In terms of the percentage of the Scheduled Caste population to the total population of
a district, Nellore (22 per cent) takes first place, followed by Prakasam (21.29 per cent) and
West Godavari (19.17 per cent). The lowest percentage is in Visakhapatnam district (7.60
per cent), followed by Hyderabad (8.02 per cent) and Srikakulam (9.05 per cent).

136

Table 4.5
SCHEDULED CASTE POPULATION IN ANDHRA PRADESH - 2001

Sl. No.

District

Males

Females

Total

Percentage to
Total
Population

Adilabad

231793

229421

461214

18.54

Nizamabad

170201

177957

348158

14.84

Karimnagar

325829

324417

650246

18.62

Medak

235715

233777

469492

17.58

Hyderabad

154759

152489

307248

8.02

Ranga Reddy

263576

256469

520045

14.55

Mahbubnagar

304628

296299

600927

17.10

Nalgonda

291960

283828

575788

17.73

Warangal

279917

271468

551385

16.99

10

Khammam

216747

209945

426692

16.55

11

Srikakulam

113730

115879

229609

9.05

12

Vizianagaram

119116

118907

238023

10.58

13

Visakhapatnam

146813

144406

291219

7.60

14

East Godavari

442325

439325

881650

17.99

15

West Godavari

367155

361808

728963

19.17

16

Krishna

378329

368503

746832

17.83

17

Guntur

414712

403293

818005

18.32

18

Prakasam

330531

320967

651498

21.29

19

Nellore

295649

291508

587157

22.00

20

Kadapa

207302

202190

409492

15.74

21

Kurnool

320496

308141

628637

17.81

22

Anantapur

263291

251605

514896

14.14

23

Chittoor

353437

348883

702320

18.75

6228011

6111485

12339496

16.19

Andhra Pradesh

Source: Directorate of Census Operations, Government of India.

137

4.3.1 District-wise Scheduled Castes Population

District-wise (largest three) Scheduled Castes population is presented in Table 4.6.
It is observed from the table that there are three largest Scheduled Castes in each of the
districts. Madiga and Mala communities population occupy lion share in the total Scheduled
Castes population of the each district. As per the 2001 Census, out of the total Scheduled
Castes population of the State, Madiga community constitutes 49.23 per cent, followed by
Mala community 41.65 per cent. Scheduled Castes like Mala sale, Gosangi, Beda Jangam,
Relli, Adi Andhra, Mala Dasu, Arundhaitya, Mala Dasari and other generic castes also
prevailed in the State in some of the districts as larger castes after Madiga and Mala
communities. In Adilabad, Karimnagar and Khamma districts, Madiga, Mala and Mala sale
are the largest three Scheduled Castes. Madiga, Mala and Gosangi are the major Scheduled
Castes in Nizamabad district. Madiga, Mala and Bea Jangam are the largest three Scheduled
Castes in Medak and Nalgonda districxts.

In Hyderabad, Ranga Reddy, Mahbubnagar,

Warangal and Anantapur districts, Madiga, Mala and Generic Castes are the largest three
Scheduled Castes.

Madiga, Mala and Relli are the largest three Scheduled Castes in

Srikakulam, Vizinagaram, Visakhapatnam and Krishna districts. Madiga, Mala and Adi
Andhra are the major Scheduled Castes in East Godavari, West Godavari, Prakasam, Kadapa
and Chittoor districts. Madiga, Mala and Mala Dasu are the largest three Scheduled Castes in
Guntur district. In Nellore district, Madiga, Mala and Arundhatiya are the three largest
Scheduled Castes. Madiga, Mala and Mala dasari are the three major Scheduled Castes in
Kurnool district.
It is also noted from the table that Madiga population is highest in Anantapur (84.63
per cent), Mahbubnagar (77.14 per cent), Warangal (73.78 per cent), Nalgonda (73.02 per
138

cent), Kurnool (64.42 per cent), Ranga Reddy (64.05 per cent), Karimnagar (60.99 per cent),
Medak (57.77 per cent), Khammam (57.16 per cent), Prakasam (52.68 per cent), Krishna
(51.90 per cent), Guntur (49.38 per cent), Hyderabad (48.94 per cent), Nizamabad (48.32 per
cent) and Kadapa (45.44 per cent) districts. As against this, Mala population is highest in
Srikakulam (68.25 per cent), East Godavari (68.10 per cent), Nellore (63.57 per cent),
Visakhapatnam (58.26 per cent), West Godavari (57.12 per cent), Vizianagaram (53.16 per
cent), Kadapa (51.93 per cent), Guntur (48.79 per cent), Chittoor (46.94 per cent), Prakasam
(45.86 per cent), Krishna (45.63 per cent) and Nizamabad (45.15 per cent) districts.
4.4 Sex ratio
The overall sex ratio of the SC population of Andhra Pradesh is 981 females per 1000
males, which is higher than 978 for SC population of the state in 2001. The sex ratio of SC
population has registered an increase over 969 reported at 1991 Census. Among the districts,
the highest sex ratio (1046) is recorded in Nizamabad and the lowest in Anantapur (956).
Sex ratio of the SC population in urban areas (993) is better than that of the rural areas (979).
The overall as well as the child sex ratio (0-6) among SC population of Andhra
Pradesh are significantly higher than the corresponding sex ratios aggregated for SC
population at national level. Similar pattern is existed in respect of all the major SCs.

139

Table 4.6
DISTRICT-WISE (LARGEST THREE) SCHEDULED CASTES POPULATION IN
ANDHRA PRADESH (2001 CENSUS)
Mala Gosa- Beda
Sale
ngi Jangam
Adilabad
154470 147883 73083
(33.49) (32.06) (15.85)
Nizama168229 157187
9760
Bad
(48.32) (45.15)
(2.80)
Karim396594 193030 25595
Nagar
(60.99) (29.69) (3.94)
Medak
271203 172595
7704
(57.77) (36.76)
(1.64)
Hydera150377 108135
Bad
(48.94) (35.19)
Ranga
333075 152645
Reddy
(64.05) (29.35)
Mahbub463547 106122
Nagar
(77.14) (17.66)
Nalgonda
420451 135577
8268
(73.02) (23.55)
(1.44)
Warangal
406829 100126
(73.78) (18.16)
Khammam 243899 166895 5417
(57.16) (39.11) (1.27)
Srikakulam 28114 156710
(12.24) (68.25)
Vizia51983 126530
nagaram
(21.84) (53.16)
Visakha65244 169650
patnam
(22.40) (58.26)
East
187000 600422
Godavari
(21.21) (68.10)
West
259811 416361
Godavari
(35.64) (57.12)
Krishna
387577 340811
(51.90) (45.63)
Guntur
403908 399100
(49.38) (48.79)
Prakasam
343177 298782
(52.68) (45.86)
Nellore
167434 373253
(28.52) (63.57)
Kadapa
186070 212639
(45.44) (51.93)
Kurnool
404992 210457
(64.42) (33.48)
Anantapur 435746 64747
(84.63) (12.57)
Chittoor
144520 329648
(20.58) (46.94)
Andhra
6074250 5139305 104095 9760 15972
Pradesh
(49.23) (41.65) (0.84) (0.08) (0.13)
District

Madiga

Mala

Generic
Adi Mala Arun- Mala
Relli
Others Total
Castes
Andhra Dasu dhatiya Dasari
85778 461214
(18.60) (100.00)
12982 348158
(3.73) (100.00)
35027 650246
(5.39) (100.00)
17990 469492
(3.83) (100.00)
31460
17276 307248
(10.24)
(5.62) (100.00)
10322
24003 520045
(1.98)
(4.62) (100.00)
15072
16186 600927
(2.51)
(2.69) (100.00)
11492 575788
(2.00) (100.00)
13069
31361 551385
(2.37)
(5.69) (100.00)
10481 426692
(2.46) (100.00)
21520
23265 229609
(9.37)
(10.13) (100.00)
25403
34107 238023
(10.67)
(14.33) (100.00)
41791
14534 291219
(14.35)
(4.99) (100.00)
49596
44632 881650
(5.63)
(5.06) (100.00)
35768
17023 728963
(4.91)
(2.34) (100.00)
7386
11058 746832
(0.99)
(1.48) (100.00)
5004
9993 818005
(0.61)
(1.22) (100.00)
4632
4907 651498
(0.71)
(0.75) (100.00)
31042
15428 587157
(5.29)
(2.63) (100.00)
7475
3308 409492
(1.83)
(0.81) (100.00)
4114 9074 628637
(0.65) (1.44) (100.00)
8038
6365 514896
(1.56)
(1.24) (100.00)
192121
36031 702320
(27.36)
(5.13) (100.00)
77961 96100 289592 5004 31042 4114 492301 12339496
(0.63) (0.78) (2.35) (0.04) (0.25) (0.03) (3.99) (100.00)

Note: Figures in the parentheses represent percentage to the total SC population of the district/State as the case may be.

Source: Census 2001, Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, Ministry of
Home Affairs, Government of India, New Delhi,
140

4.5 Literacy and educational level

Literacy and level of education are two basic indicators of the level of development
achieved by a group/society. The literacy results in awareness, besides contributing to the
overall improvement of health, hygiene and other social conditions. A person is considered
literate if she/he is able to read and write with understanding in any language. One who can
merely read but cannot write is not considered literate. However, to qualify as a literate it is
not necessary that a person should have received any formal education.
According to 2001 Census, percentage of SC literates, (who can read and write with
understanding) aged 7 years and above is 53.5 per cent, which is lower than 60.5 per cent
reported for the state population as a whole, which is also lower than 54.7 per cent recorded
at the national level. The literacy data show that the SC population of the state has made a
significant improvement during the decade 1991- 2001. The literacy rate, which was 31.6 per
cent in 1991, has increased by 21.9 percentage points in 2001. Among the major SCs, Adi
Andhra have been reported the highest literacy rate of 69.6 per cent, followed by Adi Dravida
(65.4 per cent) and Mala (60 per cent). More than half of Madigas are illiterate with literacy
rate of 47.5 per cent. The female literacy rate of 43.3 per cent among SC population is lower
compared to the total females of the state (50.4 per cent) as well their male counterparts (63.5
per cent). The highest and lowest female literacy rate of 63 per cent and 36.9 per cent have
been recorded among Adi Andhra and Madiga. Educational levels attained by the Scheduled
Castes is given in Table 4.7.
Out of total literates, 34.9 per cent are literates having attained educational level
below the Primary level. The literates, who have attained education up to Primary and Middle
levels, constitute 32 per cent and 10.6 per cent respectively. 17.8 per cent are having
141

Table 4.7
EDUCATIONAL LEVELS ATTAINED BY THE SCHEDULED CASTES IN
ANDHRA PRADESH (2001 CENSUS)

Name of
SC

Metric/
Literate
Secondary/ Technical
without
Below
Higher
& Non- Graduate
Primary Middle
educational Primary
Secondary
technical & above
level
Intermediate diploma
etc.

All SCs

4.6

30.3

32.0

10.6

17.8

1.0

3.7

Madiga

5.1

34.3

31.7

9.8

15.7

0.7

2.7

Mala

4.2

26.9

32.2

11.3

19.6

1.2

4.6

Adi
Dravida

4.7

24.6

37.3

12.7

17.5

0.8

2.4

Adi
Andhra

3.2

25.0

32.2

11.9

19.9

1.5

6.3

Source: Directorate of Census Operations, Government of India.

142

educational level up to Matric/Higher Secondary etc. levels, implying that every 6 th SC

literate is a Matriculate. Literates with educational level of Graduation and above are 3.7 per
cent. Individually, Adi Andhra (6.3 per cent) have highest percentage of Graduation and
above educational levels. The table also shows that the drop out is conspicuous after the
Primarily level and again after Metric/Secondary levels. This pattern is consistent among all
the major SCs. Population in the age group 5-14 years are the potential students. 72.8 per
cent of the SC children of Andhra Pradesh in this age group have been attending various
educational institutions. At the individual caste level, Adi Dravida, Adi Andhra and Mala
have more percentage of school going children than the overall state SC population.
4.5.1 Decadal growth in Literacy Rate Scheduled Castes Vs. General
The data on decadal growth rate in literacy rate of the Scheduled Castes and general
population from 1961 to 2001 is presented in Table 4.8. It is evident from the data that the
Scheduled Castes literacy is 8.47 per cent in 1961 against the general literacy rate of 21.19
per cent. The SC literacy rate was increased to 10.65 in 1971, while the general literacy rate
was 24.57. It is increased to 17.65 in 1981, whereas general literacy rate is 29.94. Thus,
there is a little percentage increase in SC population literacy

143

Table 4.8
LITERACY RATE OF SCHEDULED CASTES AND GENERAL POPULATION IN
ANDHRA PRADESH FROM 1961 TO 2001 CENSUS
Census

Scheduled Castes

General Population

13.43

30.19

Female

3.4

12.03

Total

8.47

21.19

Male

15.9

33.18

Female

5.3

15.75

Total

10.65

24.57

Male

24.8

24.59

Female

10.25

20.39

Total

17.65

29.94

Male

41.88

55.13

Female

20.92

32.72

Total

31.59

44.09

Male

63.51

70.32

Female

43.35

50.43

Total

53.52

60.47

Year
1961

1971

1981

1991

2001

Male

Source: Directorate of Census Operations, Government of India.

144

rate in 1981. In 1991, SC literacy rate is 31.59, whereas general literacy rate is 44.09. Thus,
there is a considerable increase in SC literacy rate from 17.65 per cent in 1981 to 31.59 per
cent in 1991. There is further significant increase in the SC literacy rate during 1991-2001
decade. By 2001, SC literate rate stands at 53.52, while general literacy rate stands at 60.47.
Therefore, it is inferred from the data that during the past four decades, the literacy rate of
Scheduled Castes is steadily increased. Comparatively, it seems that there is a faster growth
in literacy rate among SCs than general population.
4.6 Workforce
Workforce is one of the significant parts of development. Government has made
attempts to create productive employment opportunities to increase the income levels of
living of the masses. Work may be defined as participation in any economically productive
activity. Such participation may be physical or mental in nature. Work involves not only
actual work but also effective supervision and direction of work.

A vast majority of the Scheduled Castes families eke out their livelihoods from
Agriculture - mostly as agricultural labourers and some from farming operations. Allied
occupations eg. Dairy, Piggery, Sheep & Goat Rearing, Poultry etc., also provide livelihood
to a substantial number of SCs. Many landless SCs have migrated to urban and semi-urban
areas finding jobs as construction labourers and in the tertiary sector.
Distribution of Scheduled Castes by workforce is given in Table 4.9. It is observed
from the table that 49.48 per cent of the Scheduled Castes population are non-workers and the
rest are workers. It is seen from the table that among urban population, 66.71 per cent are
non-workers. As against this, among rural population only 45.91 per cent are non-workers.

145

Out of the total workers, main workers constitute 79.21 and the remaining 20.79 per
cent are marginal workers. It is further observed from the table that among main workers,
agricultural labourers constitute huge percentage (64.21 per cent), followed by cultivators
(11.59 per cent), household industry workers (1.84 per cent) and other workers (22.36 per
cent). In case of urban areas, other workers constitute lion share, while in case of rural areas,
agricultural labourers constitute lion share among main workers.
It is also observed from the data that among marginal workers, agricultural labourers
constitute 83.93 per cent, followed by other workers (11.38 per cent), cultivators (2.67 per
cent) and household industry workers (2.02 per cent). Majority of the marginal workers in
rural areas are agricultural labourers, while it is other workers in case of urban areas.
At the individual caste level, Adi Dravida has recorded the highest 72.7 per cent
agricultural labourers, followed by Adi Andhra (71.4 per cent), Madiga (70.4 per cent) and
Mala (68 per cent).

146

Table 4.9
WORKFORCE OF SCHEDULED CASTES IN ANDHRA PRADESH (2001 CENSUS)
Main Workers
Type of Workers
Cultivators
Agricultural
Labourers
Household industry
workers
Other workers

Male
390063
(15.58)
1614839
(64.51)
23061
(0.92)
475469
(18.99)
2503432
(100.00)
85.15

Rural
Female
177304
(9.65)
1479011
(80.46)
49827
(2.71)
132147
(7.19)
1838289
(100.00)
71.04

Total
567367
(13.07)
3093850
(71.26)
72888
(1.68)
607616
(13.99)
4341721
(100.00)
78.55

Male
3200
(0.71)
43544
(9.70)
9173
(2.04)
392865
(87.54)
448782
(100.00)
88.01

Urban
Female
1622
(1.10)
32989
(22.47)
8942
(6.09)
103258
(70.33)
146811
(100.00)
74.92

Total
4822
(0.81)
76533
(12.85)
18115
(3.04)
496123
(83.30)
595593
(100.00)
84.38

Male
393263
(13.32)
1658383
(56.17)
32234
(1.09)
868334
(29.41)
2952214
(100.00)
85.57

Total
Female
178926
(9.01)
1512000
(76.17)
58769
(2.96)
235405
(11.86)
1985100
(100.00)
71.31

Total
572189
(11.59)
3170383
(64.21)
91003
(1.84)
1103739
(22.36)
4937314
(100.00)
79.21

Male
15141
(3.04)
381972
(76.76)
7848
(1.58)
92684
(18.62)
497645
(100.00)
14.43

Total
Female
19431
(2.43)
705904
(88.40)
18377
(2.30)
54847
(6.87)
798559
(100.00)
28.69

Total
34572
(2.67)
1087876
(83.93)
26225
(2.02)
147531
(11.38)
1296204
(100.00)
20.79

Total Main
Workers
% within Total
workers
Note: Figures in the parenthesis represent percentage to total main workers except last row. Last row indicates percentage of the total main
workers to the total workers.
Marginal Workers
Rural
Urban
Type of
Workers
Male
Female
Total
Male
Female
Total
Cultivators
14874
19144
34018
267
287
554
(3.41)
(2.55)
(2.87)
(0.44)
(0.58)
(0.50)
Agricultural
365402
682113
1047515
16570
23791
40361
Labourers
(83.71)
(91.02)
(88.33)
(27.11)
(48.41)
(36.60)
Household industry
5436
15290
20726
2412
3087
5499
workers
(1.25)
(2.04)
(1.75)
(3.95)
(6.28)
(4.99)
Other workers
50810
32866
83676
41874
21981
63855
(11.64)
(4.39)
(7.06)
(68.51)
(44.73)
(57.91)
Total Marginal
436522
749413
1185935
61123
49146
110269
Workers
(100.00)
(100.00)
(100.00)
(100.00)
(100.00)
(100.00)
% within Total
14.85
28.96
21.45
11.99
25.08
15.62
workers
Note: Figures in the parenthesis represent percentage to total marginal workers except last row. Last row
total marginal workers to the total workers.

indicates percentage of the

Total Workers
Male
2939954

Rural
Female
2587702

Total
5527656

Male
509905

Urban
Female
195957

Total
705862

Male
3449859

Total
Female
2783659

Total
6233518

Non-Workers
Non-Workers
Male
Female
Total
Rural
2224537
2467216
4691753
(43.07)
(48.81)
(45.91)
Urban
553615
860610
1414225
(52.05)
(81.45)
(66.71)
Total
2778152
3327826
6105978
(44.61)
(54.45)
(49.48)
Note: Figures in the parenthesis represent percentage to total population.
Source: Directorate of Census Operations, Government of India.

147

Male
5164491
(100.00)
1063520
(100.00)
6228011
(100.00)

Total Population
Female
5054918
(100.00)
1056567
(100.00)
6111485
(100.00)

Total
10219409
(100.00)
2120087
(100.00)
12339496
(100.00)

4.7 Economic activity-Work Participation Rate (WPR)

The work participation rate (WPR) is the percentage of workers to the total
population. The WPR of the SC population is 50.5 per cent at 2001 Census, which is higher
than 45.8 per cent recorded for state population as a whole. The WPR of SC population
however, has declined marginally as compared to 51.8 per cent reported at 1991 Census. The
male WPR has been 54.4 per cent and female WPR 45.6 per cent at 2001 Census.
Rural/Urban wise work participation rate of Scheduled Castes is presented in Table 4.10.
It is observed from the table that work participation rate of SCs in rural areas is 42.29.
It is 48.47 in case of rural males and 36.36 in case of rural females. In urban areas, work
participation rate is 28.09. It is 42.2 in case of urban males and 13.9 in case of urban females.
Comparatively, work participation rate of SCs in rural areas is more than that of urban areas.
There is a slight difference in work participation rate of rural and urban males, while there is
a significant difference in work participation rate of rural and urban females
At individual caste level, the WPR varies from the highest 52.2 per cent among
Madiga to the lowest 45.9 per cent among Adi Andhra. Adi Andhra has also recorded the
lowest female WPR of 36.5 per cent.

148

Table 4.10
WORK PARTICIPATION RATE OF SCHEDULED CASTES IN ANDHRA
PRADESH AS PER 2001 CENSUS
RURAL/URBAN
Rural

Urban

Work Participation Rate

Male

48.47

Female

36.36

Total

42.49

Male

42.2

Female

13.9

Total

28.09

Source: Directorate of Census Operations, Government of India.

149

4.8 Marital status

Marital status is one of the important determinants of fertility and growth of a
population. The 2001 Census data on marital status show that 46.6 per cent persons among
the SCs of Andhra Pradesh are never married. The currently married constitute 47.7 per
cent while 5.1 per cent are widowed. Only 0.6 per cent are divorced and separated.
Though a majority of girls and boys among SCs in Andhra Pradesh are getting
married after attaining the legal age of marriage, the marriages of SC girls below 18 years (3
per cent) are higher than 2.8 per cent recorded among SC population at the national level. The
incidences of marriage among boys below 21 years at 2.6 per cent are; however, lower than
3.1 per cent aggregated at the national level for SC population.
The mean number of children ever born per ever married SC women of all ages as
well as 45-49 years age group are 2.6 and 3.4 respectively, which are lower than the
corresponding figures of 3.2 and 4.2 for SC population at the national level.
4.9 Governments role for the development of Scheduled Castes in Andhra Pradesh
Empowerment of the Socially Disadvantaged Groups, viz., the Scheduled Castes and
the Scheduled Tribes continues to be on the priority list of States developmental agenda, as
they still lag behind the rest of the society. Andhra Pradesh is pioneer in the country in
implementation of Protective as well as Development programmes for the Scheduled Castes
and Scheduled Tribes. Main emphasis is laid in improving educational infrastructure,
bringing social and economic development of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes on par
with general population and protecting the interests of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled
Tribes. In order to protect them from exploitation, a number of legislations are under
implementation. In case of Scheduled areas, special Regulations are also under
implementation. High priority is given for educational development by allocating about 70
150

per cent of annual budget of Social Welfare Department for this sector. Residential Schools
and Ashram Schools are being run exclusively for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

4.9.1 Social Welfare Department

The Social Welfare department in the State is dedicated to the integrated and overall
development of Scheduled Castes. The main objectives of the Social Welfare Department are
Educational advancement, Socio-Economic development, Welfare and Protection of
Scheduled Castes and implementation of programmes of Social Security like Homes for
orphan children, rehabilitation of jogins, bonded labourers and scavengers, pensions to poor
widows and house-sites to weaker sections.

The set objectives are being attended by this Department through five wings:

The Commissionerate of Social Welfare is responsible for implementation of

educational programmes through hostels and scholarships, implementation of
Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes
(Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, Reservation Policy and monitoring the progress
in filling up of Back Log vacancies and monitoring of Special Component Plan.

The Andhra Pradesh Scheduled Castes Co-operative Finance Corporation is

implementing Economic Development programmes for the upliftment of Scheduled
Castes.

The Andhra Pradesh Social Welfare Residential Educational Institutions Society

manages residential educational institutions for quality education of SC girls and boys
in the state.

The Andhra Pradesh Study Circle organizes coaching programmes for competitive
examinations for both Central and State Services through pre-examination training
centres and Study Circle.

151

Protection of Civil Rights Cell is responsible for implementing, monitoring and

supervising the Protection of Civil Rights and Prevention of Atrocities in the State
against Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

4.9.2 Andhra Pradesh Scheduled Castes Co-operative Finance Corporation

Andhra Pradesh Scheduled Castes Co-operative Finance Corporation was set up in the
year 1974 with a view to take up programs for the economic development of Scheduled Caste
families in the State. The Corporation is registered under the AP Coop Societies Act with a
share holding pattern of 51:49 per cent between the State Government and the Government of
India respectively. The Corporation has been established with the following main objectives,
namely, (1). To provide financial assistance for creation of income generating assets, (2). To
offer training programs for skill upgradation leading to self/wage employment, (3). To
empower women self-help groups for taking up economic support activity and (4) To plug
critical gaps of finance in economic support schemes.

The Corporation head office

formulates policy in terms of preparing Annual Action Plans, monitors implementation of

schemes by way of conducting review meeting and securing progress reports on monthly
basis. The Corporation mobilizes resources from Government of India, State Government and
other financial institutions and in turn releases to District Societies for implementation of
schemes. The District Societies also mobilize district level resources in terms of SGSY
subsidy from DRDAs, loans from banks and 15 per cent earmarked funds from the local
bodies.

***

152

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Groups in Rural India, Journal of Rural Development, Vol.26, No.3, JulySeptember, pp.379-401.
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3. Statistical Abstracts of the Directorate of Economics & Statistics, Government of
Andhra Pradesh, Hyderabad.
4. Fact book on Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in Andhra Pradesh (2006),
Directorate of Economics & Statistics, Government of Andhra Pradesh, Hyderabad.
5. Kamble, N.D., (1978), Socio-economic and Political Profiles of Scheduled Castes,
Ph.D. Thesis, Karnatak University, Dharwad, Karnataka.
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153